Favorite Steelhead Swingers 11.3.10

One of my fishing buddies and regular readers had been asking for some fall steelhead streamer patterns.  Swinging streamers with a spey rod is absolutely the most exciting way to fish for steelhead.  The tug of a steelhead strike is addicting to say the least.  Below are a couple of patterns that I have had success with around the Great Lakes.

Top Pattern: Obsession Sculpin
Hook: #1 or 1/0 Salmon Hook
Tail: Rabbit Zonker
Body: Copper Ice Dubbing
Hackle: UV Polar Flash Olive/Copper
Wing: Rabbit Zonker
Gills: Mallard Flank wrapped twice
Head: Australian Possum spun in a clump
Note: This pattern was based on Kevin Feenstra's Aquatic Nuisance.  I tie it without the flashabou wing and add the rabbit strip on top for a wing.  Good swung fly for steelhead and king salmon.  Experiment with different colors and amounts of flash.

Bottom Pattern: Obsession Minnow
Rear Hook: Stinger hook of choice, tied to front hook shank with heavy braid
Front Hook: #1 Salmon hook cut at the bend, file smooth
Eyes: Small lead eyes or similiar
Body: Olive chrystal chinelle
Wing: Olive Flashabou, 3 strands
Feelers: Olive ostrich spun in a dubbing loop
Hackle: Olive grizzly schlappen
Note:  Simple tie that sinks like a rock.  Experiment with colors and flash.